The legend describes Malak Afghana as the son of Irmia (Jeremiah) and grandson of King Saul (Talut).[10][11][12] This name is mentioned in the form of Abgan in the 3rd century CE by the Sassanians[13] and as Avagana in the 6th century CE by Indian astronomer Varahamihira.[14]

It is mentioned that Afghana was orphaned at a young age, and brought up by King David. When Solomon became the king, Afghana was made commander-in-chief of the army. Malak Afghana is also credited with the building of the first temple, the Temple Mount, known in Arabic as the Haram al-Sharif (Arabic: الحرم القدسي الشريف‎, al-haram al-qudsī ash-sharīf):[15][16][17]

According to Tadhkirat al-Muluk, Malak Afghana migrated to the place known as Takht-i-Sulaiman and generations later Qais Abdur Rashid, a descendant of Malak Afghana, embraced Islam.[18][19]